Slimmers are being urgently warned about the dangers of fake weight loss injections following the tragic death of Karen McGonigal, a 53-year-old mother who was illegally administered semaglutide purchased on the black market. Ms. McGonigal died in May, days after receiving a dose of the powerful ingredient found in legitimate weight loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy.

Her three daughters revealed that their mother had become 'desperate' to lose weight after a long-term relationship ended. She was unable to obtain the medication through the NHS, as strict health service criteria reserve prescriptions for individuals who are seriously overweight and have co-existing conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Consequently, Ms. McGonigal, from Salford in Greater Manchester, turned to a beautician who offered weight loss injections for a mere £20 each.

Ffion, Ms. McGonigal's youngest daughter, recounted to ITV News the alarming lack of professionalism surrounding the procedure. Her mother was injected in a back room by the beautician, with "no preparation, no cleaning, nothing." The process was swift, lasting only about three minutes per injection. While Ms. McGonigal initially lost weight, four days after her last injection, she began experiencing severe stomach pains and breathing difficulties. Despite being rushed to hospital and spending two days in intensive care, doctors were ultimately unable to save her. Her daughters have bravely chosen to share their story publicly, hoping to prevent similar tragedies.

The global surge in demand for legitimate weight loss drugs has unfortunately led to a flood of counterfeit versions infiltrating the market. Experts have repeatedly issued strong warnings to Britons against purchasing these jabs through unregulated channels such as social media, beauticians, or fraudulent online retailers impersonating pharmacies. These warnings stem from serious concerns that such sources may be distributing contaminated or dangerous products. There have been documented cases of patients suffering seizures and even falling into comas after using fake versions of these injections.

Regulatory bodies are actively fighting this illicit trade. The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) recently announced the seizure of over a quarter of a million pounds worth of fake slimming jabs, marking the world's largest ever drugs bust. This operation targeted an industrial estate on the outskirts of Northampton, believed to be a major site for the large-scale manufacture, packaging, and distribution of unlicensed weight loss products.

Pharmacists have identified five crucial red flags that can help consumers distinguish between genuine and fake weight loss injections:

• 'Flimsy' Materials and Poor Appearance: Legitimate pens come in high-quality packaging with clear branding and printing. Counterfeit products often feature spelling mistakes, blurry printing, incorrect logos, or feel cheap and flimsy. Look for obvious flaws like uneven colouring, rough edges, or loose parts, as highlighted by Jason Murphy, head of pharmacy at Chemist4U.

• Missing or Incorrect Information: Genuine injection pens possess unique serial numbers that verify their authenticity. Fake products may lack a serial number or have one that doesn't match manufacturer records. Dr. Bhavini Shah, a GP for LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, warns that packaging or information leaflets with spelling or grammatical errors, missing expiry dates, or signs of being opened or poorly made are significant red flags. Never use medications under such circumstances.

• 'Cloudy' Colour of the Liquid: The liquid within a real weight loss injection pen should be clear and colourless. Fraudulent pens, however, often contain unknown substances that appear cloudy or tinged with colour, serving as a clear indicator of a fake. Chemical analyses of these counterfeit jabs have alarmingly revealed contaminants such as rat poison, arsenic, cement, and mercury. Hospitals have also detected insulin instead of semaglutide in some fake injections, leading to critically low blood sugar levels and comas.

• Unlicensed Medical Professionals: Medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro are strictly prescription-only and must be issued by specialized medical professionals after a comprehensive consultation. This includes reviewing medical history, weight, and sometimes requiring photos to ensure suitability and safety. Consumers are advised to "steer clear" of injections advertised on social media, in salons, or by unlicensed online pharmacies. It is crucial to verify that any pharmacy is regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) and the MHRA for peace of mind.

• Bulk Buying Practices: UK regulations prohibit the bulk buying of weight loss pens. This measure is in place to ensure patients receive correct dosages and are monitored for potential side effects. Experts warn that buying in bulk increases the risk of improper storage, which can diminish the drug's effectiveness or render it unsafe. Unused pens generally require refrigeration between 2 to 8 degrees Celsius, protected from light and freezing. Specific storage guidelines vary; for instance, Mounjaro can be stored at room temperature (up to 30C) once opened but must be discarded after four weekly doses or 30 days. Ozempic and Wegovy, conversely, must remain refrigerated. Always check the expiry date on the pen label and carton.

Anyone who suspects they have a non-genuine product should immediately report it via the MHRA’s yellow card scheme and contact their GP. In cases of severe symptoms like seizures or loss of consciousness due to critically low blood sugar, emergency services should be contacted by calling 999 without delay.